If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, then you've probably been prescribed some medications like immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. These medications can make a huge difference in how you feel from day to day, but they do not erase your symptoms completely. If you would like some additional relief, then it is a good idea to look into complementary therapies. These are mostly natural and lifestyle-based remedies that won't directly treat your autoimmune disorder but will help ease the symptoms. Here are a few of these therapies to consider.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can relieve pressure on certain nerves that run through and along your spine. This can promote relaxation and make it easier for you to sleep. When you get more sleep, your immune system benefits, which can help ease some of your lingering autoimmune symptoms. A chiropractic adjustment should be painless and only takes a few minutes of your time. Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, at least partially, which makes it an affordable choice.

Nutritional Therapy

Visiting a nutritionist is also a good idea. They can recommend foods that will help improve your immune system's health and also tell you which foods to avoid. Some nutritionists will give you a specific meal plan to follow, and others will just give you some basic guidelines to follow. If you would prefer one approach over the other, call around to a few nutritionists and ask which approach they take before choosing who to make an appointment with.

Massage

Autoimmune diseases can cause localized inflammation at certain points in the body. For example, rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation around the joints. This inflammation can intensify your pain and also make it harder to get around. Massage therapy will increase circulation to the tissue and help drain away inflammation. It's also relaxing, so it will lower your stress levels, which is good for your immune health overall.

Reiki

Reiki, a form of energy healing, involves the practitioners redirecting the flow of energy through the patient's body. Some people find it very beneficial, while others don't find that it does much for them. If you do find it to be relaxing and stress-relieving, it can be a useful treatment for your autoimmune condition.

Talk to your doctor to learn more about these and other autoimmune therapies. Most are safe when used in combination with the other treatments your doctor has recommended for  your autoimmune conditions.